The Hidden Empress Stripping Her Secrets After Divorce novel Chapter 8

Carrying Leo, Lyra walked out of the dining room. Just as she reached the door, her steps faltered, and she cast a glance over her shoulder.

Christian was still sitting there, staring at the bowl of cold oatmeal in front of him. His brows were tightly knit, lost in some unknown thought.

She gently bit her lip, then turned and walked away.

The dining room was left entirely to Christian.

He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, his temples violently throbbing.

His mind was entirely consumed by the look in Evelyn's eyes just moments ago—the bloodshot rims, the suppressed tears, and that fathomless, terrifying calm.

That sense of calm unnerved him infinitely more than any screaming match could have.

His phone rang, shattering the dead silence.

He opened his eyes and saw the name flashing on the screen: Mother.

His scowl deepened.

He answered the call, and before he could even utter a word, Penelope Lancaster's rapid-fire voice blasted through the speaker.

"Christian! I just saw the news! Lyra Langford is back? And she brought a three-year-old child? Whose child is that? Is he yours?"

Christian massaged his temples. "Mom, this situation is..."

"Don't you try to brush me off!" Penelope's voice hit a shrill pitch. "I'm asking you, does that boy belong to the Lancaster bloodline?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"Not sure?" Penelope scoffed coldly. "Lyra was abroad for exactly three years, and she brings back a three-year-old boy. The timeline matches perfectly! And you're telling me you're not sure?"

Christian remained silent.

"Let me tell you right now, Christian. If that child is truly a Lancaster, you need to get rid of Evelyn Sullivan immediately!" Penelope grew increasingly agitated. "It's been three years, and she hasn't managed to produce a single heir! What is the point of her hogging the title of Mrs. Lancaster?"

Christian's frown deepened. "Mom, watch how you speak."

"Watch what? Am I wrong?" Penelope snapped sharply. "If your grandfather hadn't forced you to marry her, do you really think I would have ever let her through the door? She has no background, no capabilities; all she does is putter around with those pathetic flowers! Look at Lyra. She is an internationally renowned ballet artist with a booming career, and now she's brought a grandson back to the Lancaster family! If you had just married her back then, would I have been left waiting all these years for a grandchild?"

"Mom!" Christian's tone grew heavy with warning.

"What, am I wrong?" Penelope refused to back down. "Lyra is sweet and knows how to handle people. Not like Evelyn, who's always so lifeless and depressing, exactly like her mother! I have no idea why your father adored her so much. Was it just because..."

"Enough!" Christian violently cut her off, his voice terrifyingly cold.

The line went dead silent for a moment.

Clearly startled by her son's explosive temper, Penelope's tone softened slightly. "I'm only thinking of what's best for you... Listen, bring Lyra and the child back to the main estate for dinner tonight. Let me see the boy. As for Evelyn... leave her behind. Looking at her just annoys me."

Christian took a deep breath, forcing down the burning irritation in his chest. "I'm busy tonight."

"What could possibly be more important than seeing your own mother?" Penelope's temper flared again. "I'm telling you, Christian, if you still want to call me your mother, you will bring them home tonight!"

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